PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN RACE/ETHNICITY AND CHANGES IN COGNITION

Abstract Racial/ethnic disparities in the rate of cognitive decline in older age have been established. Studies also report differences in physical activity across racial/ethnic groups. We investigated whether racial/ethnic differences in changes in cognition over a 12-year period (2006-2018) were mediated by physical activity using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 16,777, mean baseline age = 66.0 years). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate a latent growth curve model of changes in cognitive scores (27-item TICS) and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White) to change in cognition was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, personal wealth, and insurance coverage. Results indicated that Blacks engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than Whites (b = -.176, ♌ = -.123, p < .001), but there were no differences between Hispanics and Whites (b = .028, ♌ = .017, ns). Physical activity significantly predicted higher initial cognitive scores (b = 5.205, ♌ = .610, p < .001) and less decline in cognitive scores over time (b = 1.063, ♌ = .796, p < .001). The indirect (mediational) effect for the Black vs. White comparison on changes in cognitive score was significant (b = .187, ♌ = .152, 95% CI [.135,.244]). These results provide important new information for understanding how physical activity, a modifiable lifestyle factor, may help explain racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive decline in middle and later life, suggesting greater need to reduce sedentary behavior and increase activity.

Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence has been shown to foster cognitive function during aging.Methods for measuring adherence to the MD typically provide or withhold points for foods consumed.Few investigations have examined how adherence to a Western adaptation of the MD may influence cognitive function over time in the United States.A modified MD that includes dairy products, whole grains, and plant-based proteins with limited consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be more attainable for many Americans than the traditional MD.This secondary analysis examined whether adherence to a modified MD was predictive of episodic memory and executive function over a 9-year study period.The second wave of the Midlife in the United States Study assessed general diet qualities with a food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive function was measured at both waves 2 and 3 (N = 816; age: 46 +/-12 years; 56% female).Regression analyses were conducted to determine whether MD adherence predicted 9-year regressed change in cognitive function while controlling for age, sex, race, socioeconomic status (SES), and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis (hemoglobin a1c, insulin, and blood glucose).MD predicted changes in episodic memory (β = 0.075, p = 0.013) but not executive functioning (β = -0.028,p = 0.210).Exploratory moderator analyses suggested that MD associations with episodic memory were observed for only younger and middle-aged adults, females, White individuals, and persons with lower SES.Increased MD adherence may serve as a modifiable factor that supports cognitive function and preserved episodic memory during aging.A structured interview was conducted to aid in the co-design of an adaptive game for individuals with MCI and their care partners.Preliminary results on the specific barriers and facilitators affecting game play to inform design and improve accessibility were previously reported (Kerssens et al., 2020).
Here we report on the perceived socio-emotional benefits identified by seven dyads who were interviewed regarding game play experience and perceptions.The dyads comprised of an individual with a clinical diagnosis of MCI (85.7% male; age range 62-85 years) and a care partner (85.7% female; age range 41-76 years).The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically, independently coded, and reviewed until consensus was reached.The dyads iterated many "social," "emotional," and "impacts" of gameplay, prompting an examination of subjective elements of game play.For example, they enjoy the simplicity and familiarity of playing games -either as a playful diversion from their everyday routine or as part of a routine.Quantitative results are reported across dyads and themes.Descriptive quotes and individual qualia are presented to illustrate specific examples of benefits and detriments to gameplay.Results are discussed in terms of the implications of game play for fostering meaningful, potentially therapeutic social activities for individuals with MCI and their care partners.
whether racial/ethnic differences in changes in cognition over a 12-year period (2006-2018) were mediated by physical activity using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 16,777, mean baseline age = 66.0 years).Structural equation modeling was used to estimate a latent growth curve model of changes in cognitive scores (27-item TICS) and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White) to change in cognition was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, personal wealth, and insurance coverage.Results indicated that Blacks engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than Whites (b = -.176,♌ = -.123,p < .001),but there were no differences between Hispanics and Whites (b = .028,♌ = .017,ns).Physical activity significantly predicted higher initial cognitive scores (b = 5.205, ♌ = .610,p < .001)and less decline in cognitive scores over time (b = 1.063, ♌ = .796,p < .001).The indirect (mediational) effect for the Black vs. White comparison on changes in cognitive score was significant (b = .187,♌ = .152,95% CI [.135,.244]).These results provide important new information for understanding how physical activity, a modifiable lifestyle factor, may help explain racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive decline in middle and later life, suggesting greater need to reduce sedentary behavior and increase activity.
Abstract citation ID: igad104.3112The increase in life expectancy over the years has triggered both researchers and the aging population to focus more on achieving an active engagement with life.This ability to perform daily living activities (functionality) is a key component in healthy aging which aids older adults live independently with or without disease and disability.Gaining insight into the key elements that enhance physical functioning is necessary as the issue of limited physical functioning affects not only older adults but also, middle aged adults.This study examines the predictors of everyday functioning, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) among 1920 older adults using data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study.ADLs and IADLs were self-reported.Results of the hierarchical linear regression at baseline indicate that, being female and being African American significantly predict lower performance on everyday functioning, after adjusting for age and years of education.Fewer falls in the past 2 months, better cognition and normal weight significantly predict high performance on everyday functioning (all p < .05).For ADLs, being African American and female gender significantly predict higher scores on ADLs while female gender predicted lower scores on IADLs.There were no differences on living arrangements and access to healthcare on everyday functioning, ADLs and IADLs.43.1% of variability in IADLs were explained by the predictors.Findings from this study identify target populations for interventions to promote active engagement with life.

PREDICTORS OF EVERYDAY FUNCTIONING, ADLS/ IADLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS USING THE ACTIVE STUDY
Abstract citation ID: igad104.3113

PERCEIVED SOCIO-EMOTIONAL BENEFITS TO GAMEPLAY FOR MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT- CARE PARTNER DYADS Kara
Mumma 1 , Patricia Griffiths 1 , Frances Harris 1 , Maribeth Gandy 1 , and Chantal Kerssens 2 , 1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 2. care.coach,Millbrae, California, United States Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can increase social isolation by making it difficult to engage in once enjoyable activities with others, which in turn, can exacerbate cognitive decline.Games offer stimulating cognitive and social activity, but many are not designed for individuals with MCI.